STATE BUDGET ON ROAD TO NOWHERE FOR WORKERS

STATE BUDGET ON ROAD TO NOWHERE FOR WORKERS

Thursday 23 May, 2019

The Liberal Gov’t has failed to deliver a fair pay rise for the public sector.

Jannette Armstrong, Tasmanian Branch Secretary of United Voice, says, “This budget is about roads and bridges, not Tasmanian workers. Despite growth in the economy the Hodgman government has once again failed to deliver fair pay rises for public sector workers. Public sector workers have not received a pay rise since 2017, despite the economy growing by 3.3 percent over the past year, and projected to grow at 2.75 in the year ahead.

“They have been offered a pay rise that does not keep up with the government’s own projection for growth and cost increases.

“The 2% offer shows nothing but disregard for public sector workers. The Treasurer boasts of his $41 million surplus, but an extra 1% pay rise for public sector workers would total $28 million. With the state’s economy growing, they can afford this and should have delivered it.

“The budget sums do not add up for workers. The Treasurer is claiming savings but those savings are yet to be identified. Does it mean public sector job cuts?